System and method for shifting a tool in a well

ABSTRACT

A technique is employed to shift a well tool located in a wellbore. A shifting tool is moved downhole into proximity with a well tool that is to be shifted. The shifting tool comprises one or more engagement members that enable engagement with any of a variety of well tools having a variety of sizes. A sensor system provides an indication as to when the shifting tool is moved into proximity with a specific well tool.

BACKGROUND

Many types of well tools are used downhole in well related operations. Some of these downhole devices can be designed to operate in two or more configurations. A shifting tool is used to shift the device from one configuration to another by engaging a profile in the downhole device and then moving the shifting tool up or down to shift the device from one configuration to another. Examples of devices that can be shifted include a variety of valves and other downhole devices.

The shifting tools used to shift downhole well tools are mechanical devices designed to engage downhole tools of a specific size having a latch profile of a specific diameter. A collet can be used to engage a latch profile in the downhole tool, or in other applications spring loaded dogs can be used to engage the latch profile. Hydraulic pressure or other forces move the collet or spring loaded dogs up or down until engaged with the latch profile. However, the radial travel of the collet or dogs is limited, and therefore the shifting tool must be matched to a downhole device of a particular size. In many applications, restrictions also are located above and/or below the downhole tool. Because the shifting tool must be able to pass through the restriction, the size of the shifting tool, and thus the size of the downhole tool that can be shifted, is limited.

SUMMARY

In general, the present invention provides a system and method for shifting a well tool located downhole in a wellbore. A shifting tool is designed for movement downhole into proximity with a well tool that is to be shifted. The shifting tool comprises one or more engagement members that are able to engage a variety of well tools having a variety of sizes. Additionally, a sensor system may be used to detect when the shifting tool is moved into proximity with a specific well tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a shifting tool system deployed downhole to engage one or more well tools, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example of a shifting tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a shifting tool deployed downhole to a well completion but positioned at a stage prior to engagement with a well tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another stage of a shifting tool procedure in which the shifting tool is deployed downhole to a well completion, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another stage of a shifting tool procedure in which the shifting tool is deployed downhole to a well completion, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another stage of a shifting tool procedure in which the shifting tool is deployed downhole to a well completion, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another stage of a shifting tool procedure in which the shifting tool is deployed downhole to a well completion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.

The present invention generally relates to a system and method for shifting a device, e.g. a well tool, located downhole in a wellbore. The system and method utilize a shifting tool that may be selectively moved downhole to engage one or more well tools. For example, the shifting tool can be used to shift an individual well tool, or the shifting tool can be used to shift a plurality of well tools. The design of the shifting tool enables use of the individual shifting tool in shifting a variety of well tools having a variety of sizes and configurations. This unique design also enables use of the shifting tool to shift a plurality of well tools during the same trip downhole, even if the well tool size varies from one well tool to another. For example, the shifting tool can be actuated to shift a small well tool having an engagement profile with a relatively small diameter followed by a subsequent actuation in which the shifting tool is used to shift a larger well tool having an engagement profile with a relatively larger diameter.

In one embodiment, the shifting tool system utilizes a “smart” shifting tool that can automatically detect the presence of a well tool. In some applications, the shifting tool is automatically actuated to engage a specific well tool when, for example, the shifting tool is moved into proximity with the well tool. The shifting tool system also can utilize a shifting tool that automatically disengages from the well tool upon the occurrence of a predetermined parameter, e.g. passage of a specific amount of time.

Referring generally to FIG. 1, an example of a well system 20 is deployed in a wellbore 22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The wellbore 22 is illustrated as extending downwardly into a subterranean formation 24 from a wellhead 26 positioned at a surface location 28. However, the well system 20 can be utilized in a variety of wells having generally vertical or deviated, e.g. horizontal wellbores. Additionally, the well system 20 can be employed in a variety of environments and applications, including land-based applications and subsea applications.

In the embodiment illustrated, well system 20 comprises a completion 30 deployed within wellbore 22 via, for example, a tubing 32. In many applications, completion 30 is deployed within a cased wellbore having a casing 34, however the completion 30 also can be deployed in an open bore application. As illustrated, completion 30 comprises one or more well tools 36, and one or more of the well tools 36 is shiftable between two or more configurations. The shiftable well tools 36 may have a variety of sizes and configurations. For example, the shiftable well tools 36 may comprise one or more packers and one or more valves, plugs or sliding sleeves. Depending on the application, the well tools 36 may comprise many types of valves, including ball valves, flapper valves, disk valves, flow control valves, circulating or reversing valves, and other valves that are shifted during a given downhole procedure.

Well system 20 further comprises a shifting tool system 38 having a shifting tool 40 and a deployment mechanism or conveyance 42. Depending on the specific application, conveyance 42 may have a variety of forms. For example, conveyance 42 may comprise tubing, e.g. pipe, coiled tubing, wireline, slick line, or other suitable conveyances. Additionally or alternatively, a tractor or stroker 44 can be used to move shifting tool 40 along wellbore 22. In the example illustrated, shifting tool 40 is moved along the interior of tubing 32 for selective engagement with one or more of the well tools 36.

The shifting tool 40 can be used in selective operations in which, for example, a specific well tool 36 is located, engaged and shifted. In other applications, shifting tool 40 can be used for multiple operations in which a plurality of well tools 36 can be shifted from one configuration to another. Shifting tool 40 is designed to enable engagement with well tools of different sizes. For example, the shifting tool 40 is designed to engage well tool engagement profiles even when the engagement profiles have different diameters from one well tool to the next.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, shifting tool 40 is a “smart” shifting tool able to automatically detect the presence of specific well tools 36. A sensor system 46 is incorporated into the shifting tool 40 to detect well tools 36 generally and/or to detect specific, individual well tools that cause the shifting tool 40 to actuate. By way of example, sensor system 46 may comprise one or more sensors 48, mounted on shifting tool 40, and one or more signature tags 50 associated with each well tool 36. As a sensor 48 is moved into proximity with the signature tag 50 on a given well tool 36, the shifting tool 40 can be actuated for engagement with the well tool. The actuation can be automatic or prompted by an appropriate output from the sensor or sensors 48. The signature tags 50 can be similar from one well tool 36 to the next, or the signature tags can be unique to each well tool 36 so that shifting tool 40 can be programmed (or otherwise controlled) to actuate when proximate specific well tools according to a predetermined operational procedure. In some applications, sensors can be located in the well tools 36, and the corresponding signature tag or tags can be mounted on the shifting tool 40.

One example of a shifting tool 40 is illustrated in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, shifting tool 40 comprises one or more engagement members 52 coupled to an actuator 54 that can be controlled to move the engagement members 52 in an outward or inward direction. For example, the engagement members 52 can be moved radially outward and radially inward for selective engagement and disengagement with a specific well tool 36. The engagement members 52 are retracted radially inward for movement through tubing 32 and through any restrictions along tubing 32. However, the actuator 54 is able to move engagement members 52 in a radially outward direction to the degree necessary to engage a corresponding well tool 36 whether the size/diameter of the well tool is large or relatively small.

Actuator 54 is mounted in a shifting tool body 56 and may be coupled to engagement members 52 via a variety of connection mechanisms 58 depending on the style of actuator 54 and of engagement members 52. In some embodiments, engagement members 52 can be spring mounted to actuator 54 or to connection mechanisms 58 to facilitate engagement with the corresponding well tool upon expansion of the engagement members 52 via actuator 54. By way of example, actuator 54 may comprise a motor, a shape memory alloy, a hydraulic piston, a gas chamber, or another type of actuator able to force engagement members 52 into suitable engagement with a well tool 36 to enable shifting of the well tool.

In some applications, electrical power can be provided to actuator 54 from a battery 60 via a powerline 62. The battery 60 is illustrated as mounted in shifting tool body 56, however battery 60 (or another suitable power supply) also can be positioned at other locations. The battery 60, or another suitable battery/power supply, also can be used to power a microprocessor 64 which is connected to actuator 54 to provide appropriate control signals to the actuator via one or more control lines 66. In the illustrated embodiment, microprocessor 64 is mounted in shifting tool body 56, although the processing of data and the transmission of control signals could be from other locations.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, sensors 48 of sensor system 46 also can be connected to microprocessor 64. In many applications, microprocessor 64 receives signals from sensors 48, processes those signals, and provides control signals to actuator 54. The microprocessor 64 can be programmed to control actuator 54 in a variety of ways depending on the signals received from sensors 48. For example, microprocessor 64 can be programmed to respond to specific signature tags, actuating engagement members 52 only in the presence of a specific well tool or specific well tools 36.

Many types of microprocessors 64 and sensor systems 46 can be incorporated into shifting tool 40. In one example, sensor system 46 is a radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensor system, and signature tags 50 (FIG. 1) are radio frequency signature tags. In this example, each sensor 48 can be constructed as an RFID tag reader able to detect the proximity of the desired RFID signature tag 50. The RFID sensor system can be constructed as a non-contact system, although other technologies can be utilized in forming a non-contact sensor system by which proximity between shifting tool 40 and a desired well tool 36 is detected for actuation of the shifting tool. Additionally, the sensors 48 and signature tags 50 can be positioned in a variety of locations along the shifting tool 40 and the well tool 36, respectively.

The shifting tool 40 is deployed on conveyance 42 in its collapsed position in which engagement members 52 are located radially inward. In some applications, tractor 44 (FIG. 1) can be used in combination with, for example, wireline or coiled tubing, to facilitate deployment of shifting tool 40. In the collapsed position, shifting tool 40 is readily able to move through restrictions 68 that may be deployed along tubing 32 or completion 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring again to FIG. 3, one example of an operational procedure is illustrated. In this example, well tools 36 are deployed below packers 69 which may comprise a first packer positioned between tubing 32 and casing 34 and a second packer, e.g. a GP packer, coupled with completion 30. Shifting tool 40 is initially delivered downhole through completion 30 and then pulled upwardly via conveyance 42 for engagement with selected well tools 36. As illustrated, each well tool 36 comprises an engagement profile 70 by which the well tool may be engaged with shifting tool 40 and shifted to another configuration. The engagement profile 70 has an engagement profile diameter 72, and shifting tool 40 can engage and shift a variety of well tools 36 having many types of engagement profiles 70 of various diameters 72. In other words, the shifting tool can be radially expanded as necessary to engage relatively smaller or larger diameter engagement profiles.

As the shifting tool 40 is pulled upwardly via conveyance 42, the sensor or sensors 48 detects the presence of a signature tag 50 that corresponds with a specific well tool 36, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The sensor 48 then sends a signal to microprocessor 64 which, in turn, causes actuation of shifting tool 40. As the shifting tool 40 is actuated, actuator 54 causes one or more engagement members 52 to move radially outward. In the embodiment illustrated, a plurality of engagement members 52 is moved radially outward before reaching engagement profile 70 of the well tool 36.

An upward pull of the shifting tool 40 via conveyance 42 moves the engagement members 52 into location at engagement profile 70, and actuator 54 continues the radial outward movement of engagement members 52 to fully engage the shifting tool 40 with engagement profile 70, as illustrated in FIG. 5. It should be noted that signature tags 50 also can be located above the engagement profile 70 to enable actuation of shifting tool 40 when the shifting tool 40 is moved downwardly into proximity with the well tool 36. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, signature tags 50 are located on each well tool 36 above and below the engagement profile 70 to accommodate potential actuation of the shifting tool 40 as it is moved upwardly or downwardly into proximity with the well tool. Once the shifting tool 40 is engaged with a desired well tool 36 via engagement members 52 and engagement profile 70, the shifting tool 40 is moved to shift the well tool 36 to another configuration. Depending on the design of well tool 36, the shifting can be accomplished by moving the shifting tool 40 up or down via conveyance 42.

By way of example, each sensor 48 may comprise an RFID reader, and each signature tag 50 may comprise an RFID tag. In this embodiment, the RFID tags are run with the well tools 36 when completion 30 is deployed downhole. The RFID reader detects the presence of the RFID tags and provides an appropriate signal to microprocessor 64 which controls actuation of actuator 54 according to programmed instructions. The use of microprocessor 64 enables shifting tool 40 to be programmed for actuation according to a specific procedural protocol, e.g. a protocol in which shifting tool 40 is automatically actuated when moved into proximity with specific well tools 36.

Upon completing the shifting of the well tool 36, the engagement members 52 are retracted to the collapsed position, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The actuator 54 moves the engagement members 52 to the radially inward/collapsed position upon receiving an appropriate input from microprocessor 64. The microprocessor 64 can be programmed to cause retraction of the engagement members 52 based on a variety of parameters. In one embodiment, the microprocessor 64 outputs a suitable control signal to actuator 54 and causes retraction of engagement members 52 after a certain time delay. For example, after passage of a certain amount of time from expansion of the engagement members 52, the microprocessor 64 automatically causes disengagement of the shifting tool 40 from the engagement profile 70.

Once shifting tool 40 is in its collapsed configuration with engagement members 52 retracted, the shifting tool 40 can freely be withdrawn or moved along wellbore 22, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Retraction of the engagement members 52 provides shifting tool 40 with a sufficiently small diameter to enable movement through any restrictions 68 that may be deployed along completion 30 and/or tubing 32.

The shifting tool 40 can be used to actuate an individual well tool 36, a plurality of well tools 36, or specific well tools 36 selected from a plurality of shiftable well tools deployed in a wellbore. As a result, multiple valves and other well tools can be run with one or more completions 30, and the single shifting tool 40 can be used to selectively actuate the disparate well tool devices. Furthermore, unique signature tags, e.g. unique RFID tags, can be used to enable selective actuation of individual valves and/or other well tools. For example, microprocessor 64 can be programmed to cause actuation of the shifting tool 40 upon receipt of signals from specific signature tags, enabling the selective activation of individual well tools according to a desired, predetermined procedure. Accordingly, the shifting tool system provides great flexibility for actuating well tools having a variety of sizes and configurations and for activating specific well tools according to desired patterns or procedures.

The well system 20 and the shifting tool system 38 can be constructed in a variety of forms for use in many different types of environments. For example, well system 20 may utilize one or more completions 30 having many types of configurations and utilizing a variety of shiftable well tools. Additionally, shifting tool system 38 can employ various types of conveyances, and shifting tool 40 can have various configurations. For example, shifting tool body 56 can be constructed in several shapes and forms. Additionally, the number and type of sensors and signature tags can be changed depending on the applications in which shifting tool 40 is utilized. The actuator, processor, and engagement members 52 also can be changed or adjusted according to the application and according to the well tools to be shifted by shifting tool 40.

Accordingly, although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this invention. Such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. 

1. A system for use in a wellbore, comprising: a shifting tool comprising: a body; an engagement member mounted to the body, the engagement member being radially movable to enable engagement with downhole well tools of a variety of sizes; an actuator coupled to the engagement member to selectively move the engagement member into and out of engagement with at least one downhole well tool; and a sensor system cooperating with the actuator to detect the proximity of the engagement member with respect to the at least one downhole well tool, wherein the actuator moves the engagement member toward an engaged configuration following detection.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the shifting tool further comprises a microprocessor coupled to the sensor system to process signals from the sensor system and to control the actuator based on signals from the sensor system.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor system comprises a sensor and a plurality of unique signature tags, each signature tag being associated with a corresponding downhole well tool.
 4. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a conveyance coupled to the shifting tool to convey the shifting tool through the wellbore.
 5. The system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a downhole well tool having an engagement profile positioned for receipt of the engagement member.
 6. The system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a plurality of downhole well tools, each downhole well tool having an engagement profile positioned for receipt of the engagement member.
 7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein at least one of the downhole well tools comprises a valve.
 8. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein at least one of the downhole well tools comprises a sliding sleeve.
 9. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein at least one of the downhole well tools comprises a packer.
 10. A method, comprising: moving a shifting tool in a wellbore; detecting a signature tag indicative of a well tool proximate the shifting tool; actuating the shifting tool based on detection of the signature tag, the actuation being sufficient to engage the shifting tool with one of several well tool engagement profile diameters; and shifting the well tool.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein moving comprises moving the shifting tool downhole via a conveyance.
 12. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein detecting comprises using a radio frequency identification sensor to detect a radiofrequency signature tag.
 13. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein actuating comprises moving a plurality of engagement members in a radially outward direction.
 14. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising moving the shifting tool following actuation to move an engagement member into engagement with an engagement profile of the well tool.
 15. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising controlling actuation of the shifting tool with a microprocessor.
 16. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising controlling actuation of the shifting tool with a microprocessor positioned within the shifting tool.
 17. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein actuating comprises automatically actuating the shifting tool after detection of the signature tag.
 18. The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising automatically releasing the shifting tool from engagement with the well tool.
 19. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein shifting comprises shifting a plurality of well tools with the shifting tool.
 20. A method, comprising: constructing a shifting tool with a body and an engagement member; providing an actuator to extend the engagement member from the body in a manner that enables engagement with well tools having any of a variety of sizes; and using a non-contact sensing system to sense the presence of the shifting tool at a well tool.
 21. The method as recited in claim 20, further comprising actuating the shifting tool to engage the well tool; and shifting the well tool.
 22. The method as recited in claim 20, wherein using comprises using a radiofrequency identification sensor and a signature tag at the well tool.
 23. The method as recited in claim 20, further comprising using the shifting tool to shift a plurality of well tools having different sizes. 